In the 3rd minute of tonight's MLS match between the Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders, Brian Mullan offered Steve Zakuani an ugly challenge that sent one to the locker room and the other to the hospital. The pop is loud and clear and Zakuani's leg immediately goes to mush. Reports are that he fractured both his tibia and fibula and will require immediate surgery.  The Congolese winger is likely out for the season. After the match, Mullan is quoted as saying "I'm sorry for Steve (Zakuani). It was never my intention to injure him in the least. It's a tackle that I've done hundreds of times and would probably do again. I had no intention of hurting him. It's a freak, freak thing, and I apologize and wish Steve a speedy recovery." Players and fans throughout the league are already calling for Mullan to miss as much time as Zakuani misses for his reckless challenge. What do you think Mullan's punishment should be? Was the tackle malicious or just an unfortunate accident?  Graphic video of the incident below.

Sounder at Heart has their thoughts on what Zakuani and the Sounders face in the future.  The gamethread blew up following the horrible injury.  If you dare, the graphic video is after the break.  We wish Steve Zakuani a full and speedy recovery and a full and speedy punishment to Brian Mullan.